A/N: Hi Kathy! So nice to "see" you! Glad to still have you around!

To Ali #1 (aka (to me anyway!) Canadian Ali) good to have you back. Didn't mean to make you feel guilty for not reviewing – just my curious nature. :) I am sooo glad you are still around and enjoying!

To Ali #2 – Good to have you as well. Now I'm totally curious. Have you reviewed before? Because I had no idea I had 2 Ali's around! But I'm glad I do!

Now to answer a burning question.

Rachel was not kidnapped – well. At least Caleb didn't intend it that way. He sent her to someone for safekeeping.

Thing is – she's not as safe there as he thinks.


Last chapter's Quibie was in honor of my dear PCGirl. This chapter's GC is dedicated to my darling Melody.

If there's anyone else y'all are missing please do let me know.

Translations:

A letter for you Katrina. Who lives in the United States?

Only someone from a long time ago. He is gone now.

My little soldier

Until 62 – enjoy! xox –G

Chapter Sixty-one

"Mom." Colin said again, hoping to get her attention. He took a deep breath and repeated.

"MOM."

"Colin, honey. Can I get you something?" Livvie finally replied, her gaze still a bit unfocused.

"No. I'm fine." He took her hands in his and stared into her eyes. "You're letting him do it to you again. I can't stand to see you like this."

He grabbed her arms and shook her a bit. "Is this the life you want? Always in a daze, following him blindly?" He asked her then. "Mom. You're the only one who can stop him."

"I don't think I can." Livvie admitted sadly.

"Yes you can. I know it. Look…" Colin began with a sigh. "I finally understand. I know it hasn't been easy. I know that I've chosen a different path than you have. I live my life the way I do because I love Katrina and you live the life you do here with Dad because – you love him."

Seeing that he was finally breaking through a bit, Colin took another steadying breath and pressed on.

"He's a mess, Mom. He's out of control. But I know for a fact that he loves you. That's the reason I've been able to deal with him even with all we've been through and I honestly think that's how he's able to deal with me. He can't write me off because I'm part of you. It's impossible for him to cut me out of his life completely."

"You give him too little credit, Colin…" Livvie interrupted, finally finding her voice.

"I know that I do." Colin nodded, suddenly feeling ashamed of himself. "I'm trying to work on that."

"He's trying to fight but he's losing." Livvie whispered, her thoughts clear for the first time in weeks. "He doesn't take losing well."

"He's doing things that are putting you and Rachel in danger." Colin replied, wanting to keep her focused. "You can't let that happen."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Grant couldn't help but overhear Chloe on the baby monitor. She and Billie had been talking a mile a minute since Billie came over here two hours ago.

Poor Quinn. He was about to be ambushed. Grant knew anyone knew how to plan a wedding in a hurry it was Chloe. He chuckled as he turned the page in the book he was reading as his wife's voice filled the air around him.

"I'm so excited for you. You're finally almost settled." Chloe sounded giddy. Grant could hear Melissa's laugh and the sound of her splashing in the tub as well. Just thinking of her had him smiling widely.

Billie sighed. "Yes. Almost." She paused before she spoke again. "It's getting so difficult to keep things from him. Last night - I swear Clo – I almost let it slip."

"Oh my God. What happened?" Chloe asked.

"He hardly ever pushes me. He's trying to be so patient and I can tell its killing him. After Ty went to bed – well." Billie's voice lowered a full octave but Grant could still hear every word. "Quinn and I were making love and oh God. It was amazing. He does this…this..thing." She sighed loudly. "His mouth…it's unbelievable. I can't explain it – but it makes me dizzy – every single time. I almost blurted out that he wouldn't have to wait much longer but I got a hold of myself. Trust me. It was not easy."

Chloe giggled as she replied. "I think I know exactly what you mean. I gotta tell you. Grant's got absolutely amazing hands…"

At the sound of his name Grant dropped the book he was holding. What the hell was she doing? He thought frantically as he heard his wife freely spilling intimate details about what happened in their bedroom. This had to be some sort of joke. Surely women didn't talk about stuff like that.

From that point forward he only heard bits and pieces of the conversation. It seemed they were now talking about flowers and cakes and place settings. How is it possible to change the subject so quickly? They were now back to talking about Billie and Quinn's wedding again? This was unbelievable.

Oblivious to Grant's thoughts, Billie bounded down the stairs and called out a goodbye to him. He didn't answer, he simply stood still in shock over what he had just heard as she slipped out the door.

He was still standing there, completely dumbfounded as Chloe tiptoed down the stairs behind him.

"She went right down for a change." She whispered as she rose on her toes and placed a smacking kiss on his cheek. "I think I'm going to get myself a glass of wine." Chloe called over shoulder as she moved towards the kitchen. "Do you want something?"

"Yeah." Grant nodded as he followed behind, finally finding his voice. "I want to know what the hell just happened."

"What?" Chloe looked at him, completely confused. She drew open the door of the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle. She pulled the cork out, reached for a glass and poured.

His eyes grew wide and his voice began to shake a bit. "I heard you. The monitor was on. I heard you…talking to Billie."

"So?" She said with a shrug as she took a sip.

"And – and – and I can't believe you." Grant stammered. "I mean – is this really what you talk about? Is that why when we are out for dinner you women can never go to the bathroom alone? Is this what goes on in the Ladies Room?"

Chloe had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at the look in his face. "What's the matter with you?"

He shook his head, still stunned. "I can't believe the things you were telling her! And in front of our daughter!"

"What?" Chloe repeated, still not understanding what the big deal was. "Grant – for God's sake. Melly's only a year old. She has no concept of what we were saying."

"That is not the point. Some things should be kept private Chloe." He said as he glared at her. "Especially things like that."

She took another sip of wine and then placed the glass down carefully. "You mean to tell me that guys never talk about sex?"

Grant still couldn't believe she was so calm about this. "Sex in general? Women in general? Yeah. But what we do in bed with our wives? No. Never. At least not like that." He shuddered a bit at the memory of her conversation. "I mean – certainly not in such graphic detail."

"I don't know what you are so upset about." Chloe replied with a smirk. "Honestly. I think I was very complimentary."

Grant's voice rose and his eyes narrowed. He was clearly losing his patience with her. "Chloe Victoria Kovich. I'm only going to say this one more time. That is not the point."

Chloe could see he was mad but she couldn't help herself. She batted her lashes and walked slowly towards him. "But Grant. I can't help myself. Is it my fault that you are just so…so…"

He looked at her completely infuriated. "So what - Chloe?"

He was so cute, Chloe couldn't resist him if she tried. She drank down the last sip of wine before she sidled over to him. Pressing her body close to his she giggled as she whispered in his ear. "God. You look so sexy when you're annoyed with me."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sunlight streamed in the window casting a cheerful glow over the small room. A young woman approached, a large envelope in her hand. "Un literă pentru tu Katrina." She said softly. "Cine ficat în Unit Stare?"

The older woman paused in her knitting, a far away look coming into her green eyes. "Unic nişte de la un timp îndelungat în urmă." She whispered as she took it from her. "El este mers acum."

"Is that why you speak English?" Flora teased as she wandered to the table to pour herself a cup of tea. She sat down in the chair beside her and settled in. Since coming from America to live in this country a year ago, Katrina was her favorite person to take care of. She had led such an exciting life, she told the best stories.

Katrina shook her head and reached for her glasses. "No. My mother was American. She taught me. Edward…" She smiled widely at the memory. "He couldn't speak a word of Romanian. He tried often, but it he was never really successful."

Her hands were shaking a bit as she turned the envelope in her hands. As she read the handwriting she was even more curious. "Alison Barrington Kovich." She read the name aloud.

"Must be a relative of yours. A cousin perhaps?"

"I'm not sure…" She said with a shrug. "I don't think so…"

Katrina was finding it hard to focus. Her eyes, even with her glasses were not what they once were. "Flora – could you please read it for me?"

"Sure." She nodded. Flora settled back in the chair, cleared her throat and began.

Dear Katrina –

I hope that this letter finds you well. I've written it over and over again, wanting to make sure I phrase everything exactly right. I know that at this moment, you have no idea who I am. I hope that when you learn the truth finding us will make you as happy as I was when I learned I might have found you.

My name is Alison Barrington Kovich. I live in Port Charles, NY, thousands of miles away from where you are. Many years ago I met a man who changed my life forever. We went through so much before we were finally able to settle down, have a family, and live the life both of us had dreamed of for so long.

We have been blessed with four children, three daughters and a son. Katrina, our oldest, was actually named after you. From what my husband says she shares not only your name, but your personality. She is married to a wonderful man named Colin and gave us our first grandson, Alexander, last year. Our son's name is Grant and he's the very image of his father. He and his wife Chloe recently had a daughter of their own, and named her Melissa. Our daughter Rebecca (or Becky as we call her) is next. She's the definition of all things feminine and has recently fallen in love, which is driving her father crazy. By contrast her sister Ella, our youngest, at nine years old is an absolute tomboy. I love them with everything I have and thank God each day for the joy they bring to my life.

I've enclosed a picture so you can see all of us for yourself.

Katrina's heart began to pound at the sound of the words Flora spoke. It couldn't be. It was impossible. Flora, on the other hand, was so engrossed in the letter she didn't notice and kept reading.

My husband is not an easy man to live with. He's stubborn and overprotective and the things he does sometimes make me so angry I want to scream. But he's also gentle, kind, brave, honest and noble. He loves all of us more than life itself. Iknow this – without question.

I want you to know that most days he's content and happy. He's grown to be a wonderful father. He's a man who puts his family first, who sometimes forgets to take care of himself he's so focused on keeping us safe. He's taught me to appreciate the things I've been given, to value the chance to live this life, good and bad. He's proven to me that if you believe in miracles they can happen. Despite the hardships he's faced in his life he has never given up, or given in. He's become accomplished and successful and I truly have to say that I couldn't love or admire him any more if I tried.

One of the things that brought us together was that our parents weren't always part of our lives. In my case they were absent because they were selfish and didn't really care. But for him I know it was different.

His father has passed away and he's been able to make peace with that. But I think that his mother might be alive and doesn't know where he is. I think that if she knew where to find him she'd be back in his life in a heartbeat. If she knew how much he missed her she wouldn't be able to keep herself away.

Katrina, the reason I am writing is because I believe that my husband Rafe, is your son.

Flora abruptly stopped reading and dropped the letter in her lap. "Your son?" She whispered. "I thought you said…"

As Flora trailed off Katrina lifted the envelope on her lap with trembling hands. She carefully took out the picture that was tucked inside. As she gazed down at the beautiful smiling faces tears welled in her eyes.

"Meu deget mic vîndut" She wept as she ran a finger over the photograph, her heart bursting with emotion. "Oh, Flora look at him…"

"I thought you said he was gone." Flora said, confused as she moved her chair closer to get a look at the picture heself. "Wow. What a lovely family he has." She said with a smile, reaching out to comfort her. She could see how much the news was affecting her and wanted to make sure she was alright. She gave her hand another squeeze as she continued. "That's amazing. He's still here, Katrina. I'm so, so happy for you."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Well – if you were trying to get me to shut up about our sex life this was so not the way to accomplish it." Chloe sighed as she curled herself closer to Grant. They were lying entangled on the kitchen floor, wrapped up in a checkered tablecloth, which had started out covering the kitchen table. She pushed her curls out of her eyes as she smiled up at him. "I can't wait to tell the girls about this."

She smiled widely as she glanced around the kitchen. "That was one of my good wineglasses." She said with a giggle as she saw a small pile of shattered crystal. "You're going to owe me a new one."

"For a reason like this - I'll buy you a dozen Chloe…" Grant smiled back. Even though he was trying to put up a good act he was having a hard time trying to not laugh. "You OK? Are you cold?" He whispered as he buried his nose in her hair.

"Uh uh." She shook her head and snuggled closer. "I'm perfect."

"Yes you are." He agreed as he ran a hand down her spine. "Did I ever tell you about the time I almost walked in on my parents in this very situation?" He asked her then.

"NO!" She gasped her eyes wide with shock as she pulled the cloth around her and sat up straight. "Not that I'm surprised. Your parents are always all over each other. It's so cute. They are still like newlyweds even after all this time."

Grant shook his head at her. "OK. Well – I'm not going to start discussing that – but yeah. It was pretty funny. My mom's sweater was on inside out – and I nearly tripped over my dad's shoe. She made him hide somewhere so I wouldn't catch them together. Anyway – that's not the point." He whispered as he reached out to pull her back in his arms. "That's not the most important thing that happened that day."

"No?" She asked, confused.

"That day…" Grant took a deep breath as his lips grazed across her cheek and towards her own. "…was the day you came back to me."

Chloe bowed her head and sighed smiling against his shoulder. She inched closer as she whispered. "Oh. The day of Becky's party."

"No. That day was the very same day you walked back in the gym and demanded that you teach a yoga class." His hands ran over her skin, driving her crazy again. "It was one of the happiest days in my life." His hand moved to hold her chin still. He pressed a kiss to her lips as he went on. "The day you first kissed me, when I asked you to marry me, when Melissa was born. All the happiest days of my life include you."

Chloe's head spun as he kissed her, her heart was beating frantically just from the way he spoke about her. "You see?" Chloe shoved him away weakly as tears gently fell down her cheeks. "This is why. This is why I can't stop talking about you."

He laughed as he moved to stand, still holding her in his arms, his hands getting caught in the folds of the tablecloth. "Well. If I can't stop you - let me give you a few more reasons for your friends to envy you."

She laughed back as he took her from the kitchen and towards the living room. She kissed him deeply before she replied. "I can't wait."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"It's up to you, Mom. You're the only one who can get through to him." Colin pressed on, his voice down to a mere whisper. He was finally making progress, progress that could be halted the minute his father got wind of what they were talking about. "Who knows what kind of choices he's been making without you."

"I know." Livvie replied with a nod, feeling stronger each second. "I can't believe I've let it get this far."

"We need to find Rachel and bring her back. I've asked but he won't tell me where he's taken her. If you want us to take her and keep her safe Katrina and I would be happy to."

Livvie stood and began to pace the floor a bit, taking a deep breath. Part of her wanted to run and act impulsively but she knew it could lead to her downfall. She was determined not to make the same mistakes again. There was too much on the line this time. It wasn't just her life, it was her daughter's and her husband's. If Caleb kept on this path it could be the end for all three of them. She couldn't believe she'd let it go on this long.

She shook back her hair, her confidence rising more every moment. "That's sweet of you Colin, but I don't know right now if that would be best."

He nodded, feeling so much better now that his mother was finally showing signs of life. If anyone was a fighter it was Livvie. The fact that she was being so passive was the thing that worried him most during this little visit.It seemed now that she'd made a complete turnaround and for that Colin was immensely grateful. "Just know the offer is there. And I'm here Mom, to help you in any way I can. I know Ican't reach him. I've tried and I've failed, time and again."

"You're not a failure at all Colin. You shouldn't have to worry about us like this in the first place. I should have done something sooner." She took another deep breath and stared into his eyes. "It won't be easy but I'm not going to let him destroy himself and I'm not going to let him shut me out and push me aside." Livvie's mind spun. She needed to start right away. "Where is he?"

"In his study. At least that's the last place I saw him." Colin replied. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Livvie shook her head. "No. Just stay close. I have a feeling I might need you later. Right now – this is between me and your father. It's about time we had this out." She added as she flew past him and towards the stairs, her long dark hair flying out behind her. Her eyes glittered, yellow with increasing rage as she made her way to the room Caleb had locked himself in. "I can't deal with living like this one more second, let alone an eternity."

Colin watched with satisfaction as she disappeared from view. This was the mother he knew and loved. He didn't know what the outcome would be, but at least it was finally a start.